Pentostatin

Pentostatin is an adenosine deaminase inhibitor used to treat hairy cell leukemia and other lymphoid neoplasms. Intravenous administration, one dose every two weeks.

As of the last update we found no published data on its excretion in breast milk.

Its pharmacokinetic data (low molecular weight and low protein binding) make it likely to pass into breast milk in quantities that could be significant.

Pharmacokinetics show that after 3 elimination half-lives (T½) 87.5% of the drug is eliminated from the body; after 4 T½ it is 94%, after 5 T½, 96.9%, after 6 T½, 98.4% and after 7 T½ it is 99%. From 7 T½ the plasmatic concentrations of drug in the body are negligible. In general, a period of at least five half-lives can be considered a safe waiting period before breastfeeding again. ^{(Anderson 2016).}

Taking the published T½ (5.7 hours) as a reference, these 5 T½ would correspond to 1 day (3 days if renal function is decreased). Due to significant adverse effects, it would be advisable to wait 7 T½ which would correspond to 2 days ( 4 to 5 days if renal function is decreased) ^{(Hale, Schaefer 2007)}. In the meantime, express and discard breast milk regularly.

Given the strong evidence that exists regarding the benefits of breastfeeding for the development of babies and the health of mothers, it is advisable to evaluate the risk-benefit of any maternal treatment, including chemotherapy, individually advising each mother who wishes to continue with breastfeeding. ^{(Koren 2013)}

 

See below the information of this related product:

• Maternal Cancer (Unsafe. Moderate/severe adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Use safer alternative or discontinue breastfeeding from 5 to 7 T ½ . Read Commentary.)